Method for determining a test strip calibration code using a calibration strip

ABSTRACT

A method for determining a test strip calibration code for use in a meter includes inserting a calibration strip into the meter, with the calibration strip having a substrate and a permutative grey scale calibration pattern disposed on the substrate. In addition, the permutative grey scale calibration pattern includes more than one grey scale region that define a grey scale permutation uniquely corresponding to a calibration code of test strips in a package associated with the calibration strip. The method also includes: (i) detecting the permutative grey scale calibration pattern with a grey scale photodetector module of the meter, and (ii) determining a calibration code that uniquely corresponds to a grey scale permutation defined by the permutative grey scale calibration pattern based on a permutation matrix stored in the meter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, in general, to medical devices and, inparticular, to methods, systems, test strips, and calibration stripsused for the determination of analytes.

2. Description of the Related Art

A variety of systems for determining an analyte (e.g., glucose) in abody fluid sample (for example, a whole blood, plasma or interstitialfluid sample) are known and documented. These systems typically includea meter, at least one test strip, either electrochemical or photometricin nature, and at least one lancet. The lancet can, if desired, beintegrated with the test strip. An example of such a system is theOneTouch® Ultra from Lifescan Inc., Milpitas, USA. Furtherrepresentative systems, meters and test strips are described in, forexample, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,168,957B1; 5,708,247; 6,045,567 and 6,733,655,and US patent application Publication Nos. 2004/015102A and2003/0207441A1, each of which is hereby incorporated in full byreference.

As the manufacturing of conventional test strips is subject tovariation, a calibration code (also referred to as a test stripcalibration code) is typically assigned to each lot of test stripsduring the manufacturing process. The calibration code, following entryinto an associated meter, is used with an algorithm in the meter tocompensate for test strip manufacturing variability. In this manner, ananalyte can be determined accurately and precisely regardless of teststrip manufacturing variation.

The calibration code assigned to the test strips within any given teststrip package (e.g., vial or cassette) purchased by a user can vary frompackage to package. Therefore, during use of a meter and test strip, auser must ensure that the calibration code that corresponds to the teststrip undergoing use has been entered into the meter. This may requirethat the user obtain a calibration code printed on the test strippackage and manually enter that calibration code into the meter orselect that calibration code from a list of calibration codes stored inthe meter.

Failure to enter or select the calibration code that corresponds to atest strip undergoing use (i.e., the “correct” calibration code) canlead to inaccurate and/or imprecise determination of an analyte.Moreover, the manual entering or selecting of calibration codes is timeconsuming and can be inconvenient to a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the features and advantages of the presentinvention will be obtained by reference to the following detaileddescription that sets forth illustrative embodiments in which theprinciples of the invention are utilized and the accompanying drawings,of which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are simplified bottom and perspective views respectivelyof a test strip according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 depicts a matrix of forty nine unique permutations associatedwith two grey scale regions, each with seven distinct grey scale levels;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified bottom and perspective views respectivelyof a test strip according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified bottom view of a test strip according to stillanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a simplified bottom view of a test strip according to yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified top view of a calibration strip according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of a system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are simplified front and side schematic views,respectively, of a meter and test strip of a system according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of method according to another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B are simplified bottom and perspective views respectivelyof a test strip 100 for the determination of an analyte (such asglucose) in a body fluid sample (e.g. a whole blood sample) according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Test strip 100includes a substrate 102 with a working surface 104 (not visible in theperspective of FIGS. 1A and 1B) for receiving the body fluid sample anda reverse surface 106 in opposition to working surface 104.

Test strip 100 also includes a permutative grey scale calibrationpattern 108 disposed on reverse surface 106. In the embodiment of FIGS.1A and 1B, the permutative grey scale calibration pattern 108 includes afirst grey scale region 110 and a second grey scale region 112, with thefirst and second grey scale regions 110 and 112, respectively, beingspaced apart by gap 113. However, once apprised of the presentdisclosure, one skilled in the art will recognize that grey scalecalibration patterns employed in embodiments of the present inventioncan include a plurality of grey scale regions that are not spaced apartby a gap. In this respect, gap 113 can be considered optional. As isexplained in further detail below, the combination of first grey scaleregion 110 and second grey scale region 112 define a grey scalepermutation that uniquely corresponds to a calibration code that hasbeen assigned to test strip 100. The term “grey scale,” as employedherein, refers to an optical characteristic of a surface measured viareflection at a single wavelength with the intensity of reflection(i.e., reflection intensity) corresponding to a grey scale level.

Substrate 102 can be formed from any suitable substrate material knownto one skilled in the art including, but not limited to, polymericsubstrates (such as the commercially polymeric substrate materialsMelinex® ST348, manufactured by DuPont, Teijin Films), paper substratesand fibrous substrates. The substrate surface upon which the permutativegrey scale calibration pattern is disposed can have a finish (e.g., amatte finish or a gloss finish) that facilitates efficient detection ofthe permutative grey scale pattern by a predetermined means (e.g.,static optical detection).

Once apprised of the present disclosure one skilled in the art willrecognize that working surface 104 refers to the surface of a test stripthat includes, for example, electrodes and/or analytical reagents ofeither a photometric or electrochemical nature.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B first and second grey scale regions110 and 112, respectively, are disposed directly on reverse surface 106.This can be accomplished, for example, by any suitable conventional greyscale printing technique such as dithered printing, ink-jet printing,screen-printing, pad printing, lithographic printing, flexographicprinting and combinations thereof. Such printing techniques can employ,for example, any suitable ink including, for example, ultra-violet curedinks, non-aqueous solvent-based inks and aqueous inks. Non-limitingexamples of inks that may be suitable (depending on substrate, printingtechnique and detection technique) include Festival Intense ProcessBlack ink (Product Ref. Code: Fest-24) commercially available fromCoates, UK and Supra UV Offset Black Ink (Product No. 567503)commercially available from Janecke & Schneeman Druckfarben, Hanover,Germany. Predetermined grey scale levels can be created usingconventional grey scale printing techniques by, for example, printingpredetermined black ink dot densities on a substantially whitebackground.

Grey scale regions employed in embodiments of the present invention canalso be formed using suitable laser ablation and reactive pigmentmarking techniques known to those of skill in the art. Alternatively,the grey scale regions can be formed on an adhesive tape or label withthe tape or label being subsequently affixed to the substrate of a teststrip. Moreover, the permutative grey scale calibration pattern can havea finish (e.g., a varnished finish, an unvarnished finish, a glossfinish, a satin finish or a matte finish) that facilitates efficientdetection of the permutative grey scale pattern by a predetermined means(e.g., static optical detection). Any suitable varnish known to oneskilled in the art can be employed to create a varnished finish.Examples of varnishes that may be suitable include, but are not limitedto, Pulse EL215 Matt Flexo Lacquer (commercially available from PulseRoll Label Products, Bristol, UK) and Senolith UV Inline VarnishReference 360022 (commercially available from Wellberger Graphics Gmbh,Germany).

Although, for the purpose of illustration only, a permutative grey scalecalibration pattern is depicted as being disposed on the reversesurface, it can be disposed on either of the working and reversesurfaces. Since a user's attention is typically focused on the workingsurface of a test strip, disposing a permutative grey scale calibrationpattern on the reverse surface can beneficially avoid distracting and/orcausing undue concern to a user. However, should a user's attention bedrawn to the permutative grey scale calibration pattern, such patternsare believed to be aesthetically pleasing and, therefore, unlikely todistract or disturb a user.

Test strips that include a permutative grey scale calibration patternwith a plurality of grey scale regions are advantageous in comparison toa test strip that includes a conventional bar code since the opticalregistration tolerance required to successfully detect grey scaleregions can be less restrictive than the optical tolerance required tosuccessfully detect a conventional bar code. The less restrictivetolerances enable the use of robust, simple and inexpensive printing andregistration techniques for the formation of the grey scale regions andsimplify meter construction.

FIG. 2 depicts a matrix 200 of forty-nine grey scale permutations (i.e.a seven-by-seven matrix) associated with two grey scale regions (labeledgrey level one and grey level two in FIG. 2) for the circumstance whereeach grey scale region is one of seven distinct predetermined grey scalelevels. One skilled in the art will recognize that the two grey scaleregions (i.e. corresponding to grey level one and grey level two of FIG.2) can be, for example, first grey scale region 110 and second greyscale region 112 of test strip 100 described above or any two grey scaleregions included in embodiments of the present invention.

Once the grey scale level of each of the two grey scale regions has beendetected (for example, by an optical sensor incorporated into a meter),the two grey scale levels define a grey scale permutation that uniquelycorresponds to one of forty nine calibration codes (depicted by thenumbers 1 through 49 in FIG. 2). For example, if grey level one isdetected as the mid-point level of the seven distinct predetermined greyscale levels and grey level two is detected as the lightest of the sevendistinct predetermined grey scale levels, then the uniquelycorresponding calibration code is code forty-six (46). Therefore, byemploying tests strips with a permutative grey scale calibration patternas described herein the calibration code that has been assigned to thetest strip can be automatically and uniquely determined by a meterwithout any user intervention.

If desired, each grey scale permutation can also correspond toadditional data, other than a calibration code, associated with a lot oftest strips. For example, each grey scale permutation can alsocorrespond to a test strip lot expiration date or test strip productidentification.

Although, for the purpose of explanation only, a seven-by-seven matrixbased on seven distinct predetermined grey scale levels is depicted inFIG. 2, one skilled in the art will recognize that such a matrix can bebased on any suitable number of distinct predetermined grey scalelevels. For example, a 10-by-10 matrix based on ten grey distinctpredetermined grey scale levels for both grey level one and grey leveltwo can contain one hundred unique calibration codes. The number andchoice of distinct predetermined grey scale levels can be based on, forexample, the ability of an associated optical sensor to accurately andreliably detect and distinguish between the distinct predetermined greyscale levels and the ability to accurately and reliably manufacture thedistinct predetermined grey scale levels.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified bottom and perspective views respectivelyof a test strip 300 for the determination of an analyte in a body fluidsample according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. Test strip 300 includes a substrate 302 with a workingsurface 304 (not visible in the perspective views of FIGS. 3A and 3B)for receiving the body fluid sample and a reverse surface 306 inopposition to working surface 304.

Test strip 300 also includes a permutative grey scale calibrationpattern 308 disposed on reverse surface 306. In the embodiment of FIGS.3A and 3B, permutative grey scale calibration pattern 308 includes afirst grey scale region 310, a second grey scale region 312, a whiteoptics calibration region 314 and a black optics calibration region 316.

As explained previously, the combination of first grey scale region 310and second grey scale region 312 constitute a grey scale permutationthat, via a permutation matrix, uniquely corresponds to a calibrationcode that has been assigned to test strip 300. Moreover, in theembodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B, white optics calibration region 314 andblack optics calibration region 316 have also been provided tofacilitate calibration of the optics used to detect first grey scaleregion 310 and second grey scale region 312 at the extremes of the greyscale. For example, the measured reflection intensity of white and blackoptics calibration regions can be compared to expected intensities, withany differences therebetween used as a basis for calibration of theoptics. It is postulated, without being bound, that such calibrationwill improve the optic's accuracy with respect to grey scale detection.

FIG. 4 is a simplified bottom view of a test strip 400 for thedetermination of an analyte in a body fluid sample according to stillanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Test strip 400includes a substrate 402 with a working surface (not visible in theperspective of FIG. 4) for receiving the body fluid sample and a reversesurface 406 in opposition to the working surface.

Test strip 400 also includes a permutative grey scale calibrationpattern 408 disposed on reverse surface 406. In the embodiment of FIG. 4permutative grey scale calibration pattern 408 includes a first greyscale region 410, a second grey scale region 412, a third grey scaleregion 413, a white optics calibration region 414, a black opticscalibration region 416, and a 50% grey scale calibration region 418.

The combination of first grey scale region 410, second grey scale region412 and third grey scale region 413 constitute a grey scale permutationthat uniquely corresponds, via a three-dimensional matrix, to acalibration code that has been assigned to test strip 400. For example,assuming that the first, second and third grey scale regions are eachdetected at one of seven distinct predetermined grey scale levels, aseven-by-seven-by-seven three-dimensional matrix can be employed todetermine which of three hundred and forty three calibration codesuniquely corresponds to a given permutative grey scale calibrationpattern.

Moreover, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, white optics calibration region414, black optics calibration region 416 and 50% grey scale calibrationregion 418 facilitate calibration of the optics used to detect firstgrey scale region 410, second grey scale region 412 and third grey scaleregion 413 at the extremes and the mid-point of the grey scale.

FIG. 5 is a simplified bottom view of a test strip 500 for thedetermination of an analyte in a body fluid sample according to yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Test strip 500includes a substrate 502 with a working surface (not visible in theperspective of FIG. 5) for receiving the body fluid sample and a reversesurface 506 in opposition to the working surface.

Test strip 500 also includes a permutative grey scale calibrationpattern 508 disposed on reverse surface 506. In the embodiment of FIG. 5permutative grey scale calibration pattern 508 includes a first greyscale region 510, a second grey scale region 512, a white opticscalibration region 514, a black optics calibration region 516, a 25%grey scale optics calibration region 518 and a 75% grey scale opticscalibration region 520.

As previously described, the combination of first grey scale region 510and second grey scale region 512 constitutes a grey scale permutationthat uniquely corresponds to a calibration code that has been assignedto test strip 500 during manufacturing. For example, after a calibrationcode specific to a lot (i.e. batch) of test strips being manufacturedhas been determined via laboratory testing or other suitable method thepermutative grey scale calibration pattern that corresponds to thatcalibration code can be disposed on each of the test strips of the lotusing techniques described above with respect to test strip 100.

Moreover, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, white optics calibration region514, black optics calibration region 516 and 25% grey scale opticscalibration region 418 and 75% grey scale optics calibration region 420facilitate calibration of optics used to detect first grey scale region510 and second grey scale region 512 at the extremes, 25% and 75% levelsof the grey scale.

Although, for the purpose of illustration only, permutative grey scalecalibration patterns have been depicted as including grey scale regionsshaped as discrete bands (see FIG. 1) and essentially square-shapedadjoining regions (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4 and 5) disposed in the center ofthe substrate's reverse surface (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4 and 5), thepermutative grey scale calibration patterns of test strips according tothe present invention can take any suitable shape and be disposed at anysuitable position on either of the working and reverse surfaces of thetest strip substrate. The suitability of any given shape and positionwill be, however, dependent on characteristics of the optics used todetect the grey scale regions. Such characteristics include, forexample, the size and shape of the optics detection area and positionaltolerances associated with both the optics and the disposition of thepermutative grey scale calibration pattern on the substrate.

FIG. 6 is a simplified top view of a calibration strip 600 according toan exemplary embodiment of the present invention for use with a packageof test strips. It is envisioned that calibration strip 600 would beemployed by a user to enter a calibration code into a meter in acircumstance where the test strips themselves do not include apermutative grey scale calibration pattern.

Referring to FIG. 6, calibration strip 600 includes a substrate 602 witha substrate surface 604 and a permutative grey scale calibration pattern606. Permutative grey scale calibration pattern 606 is disposed onsubstrate surface 604 and includes a first grey scale calibration region608 and a second grey scale calibration region 610. Moreover, first andsecond grey scale calibration regions 608 and 610 define a grey scalepermutation that uniquely corresponds to a calibration code of teststrips in a package (e.g. a vial or other dispenser) associated with thecalibration strip.

Substrate 602 can be formed from any suitable substrate material knownto one skilled in the art including, but not limited to, commerciallyavailable substrate materials such as Melinex® ST348 manufactured byDuPont, Teijin Films. Suitable substrate materials can be semi-rigid andof the same dimensions and shape as the associated test strips. However,the embodiment of FIG. 6 has a paddle shape that facilitates ease ofhandling.

Once apprised of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art willrecognize that the permutative grey scale calibration pattern employedon calibration strips according to embodiments of the present inventioncan take any of the characteristics discussed above for permutative greyscale calibration patterns employed on test strips according toembodiments of the present invention. For example, the permutative greyscale calibration pattern employed on a calibration strip can includetwo or more grey scale regions and, optionally, optics calibrationregion(s).

FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of a system 700 for determining,for example, the presence of concentration of an analyte according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8A and 8B aresimplified front and side schematic views respectively of a meter andtest strip of system 700 that serve to further illustrate variousfeatures of system 700.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B system 700 includes a meter 702 and atleast one test strip 704. Meter 702 includes a grey scale photodetectormodule 706 (also referred to simply as “optics”), a memory module 708and a microprocessor module 710. Dashed lines in FIG. 7 indicatecommunication paths between various components of meter 702.

Although not depicted in FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B test strip 704 includesfeatures according to the test strip embodiments described hereinincluding those of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A, 3B, 4 and 5. In other words, teststrip 704 is a test strip for the determination of an analyte, such hasglucose, in a body fluid sample (for example, a whole blood sample) andincludes a substrate with a working surface for receiving the body fluidsample and a reverse surface that is in opposition to the workingsurface. Test strip 704 also includes a permutative grey scalecalibration pattern disposed on either of the working and reversesurfaces with the permutative grey scale calibration pattern includingmore than one grey scale region. Moreover, the grey scale regions oftest strip 704 define a grey scale permutation that uniquely correspondsto a calibration code of the test strip.

Grey scale photodetector module 706 (also referred to as “optics”) isconfigured to detect the permutative grey scale calibration pattern oftest strip 704 when the test strip is inserted into meter 702 (forexample, insertion via insertion port 711). As previously noted, theterm “grey scale” refers to an optical characteristic that is measuredvia reflection at a single wavelength with the intensity of reflectioncorresponding to a grey scale level. Therefore, the grey scalephotodetector employed in systems according to the present invention isconfigured to detect the various levels of grey scale within grey scaleregions of the permutative grey scale calibration pattern using singlewavelength reflective measurement techniques.

Moreover, memory module 708 has stored therein a grey scale permutationmatrix with a plurality of calibration codes, each of the calibrationcodes uniquely corresponding to a grey scale permutation of thepermutative grey scale calibration pattern. The grey scale permutationmatrix stored within memory module 708 can take any suitable formincluding, for example, the form of FIG. 2. Microprocessor module 710 isconfigured to employ a calibration code in an algorithm during thedetermination of an analyte concentration in a body fluid sample. In theembodiment of FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B, meter 702 also includes a display 712and user operable buttons 714.

Once apprised of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art willrecognize that meters suitable for employment in systems according toembodiments of the present invention can obtained by the modification ofconventional meters including, but limited to, conventional metersdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,706,159B2 and 5,989,917 and U.S. patentapplication Publication Nos. US2004/0191415A1 and US2003/0223906A1, eachof which is hereby incorporated in full by reference. Such modificationwould entail, for example, the operable incorporation of a grey scalephotodetector module and a memory module with a grey scale permutationmatrix stored therein.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method 900 for determining a test stripcalibration code for use in a meter according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Method 900 includes inserting a test strip into themeter as set forth in step 910. The inserted test strip has a workingsurface for receiving the body fluid sample and a reverse surface thatis in opposition to the working surface.

The inserted test strip also has a permutative grey scale calibrationpattern disposed on at least one of the working surface and reversesurface. Moreover, the permutative grey scale calibration patternincludes at least a first grey scale region and a second grey scaleregion with the first and second grey scale regions defining a greyscale permutation that uniquely corresponds to a calibration code of thetest strip.

Moreover, the test strip employed in methods according to embodiments ofthe present invention can have any of the characteristics and featuresdescribed herein with respect to test strips according to embodiments ofthe present invention.

Method 900 also includes detecting the permutative grey scalecalibration pattern with a grey scale photodetector module of the meter(see step 920) and determining a calibration code that uniquelycorresponds to a grey scale permutation defined by the permutative greyscale calibration pattern based on permutation matrix stored in themeter (see step 930). The determination of the calibration code can beaccomplished using the techniques described above with respect to teststrips and systems according to embodiments of the present invention.

If desired to conserve meter power, for example, the grey scalephotodectector module employed to detect the permutative grey scalecalibration pattern can be powered on only after a test strip has beeninserted into the meter and powered off once the step of determining thecalibration code is complete. Moreover, once apprised of the presentdisclosure, one skilled in the art will recognize that the permutativegrey scale calibration pattern can be detected while in a “static” modewherein the test strip is stationary within the meter followinginsertion or a “dynamic” mode wherein the detection occurs as the teststrip is undergoing insertion into the meter or undergoing removal fromthe meter.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method 1000 for determining a test stripcalibration code for use in a meter according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention. Method 1000 includes inserting a calibrationstrip into the meter as set forth in step 1010.

The calibration strip inserted in step 1010 includes a substrate with asurface and a permutative grey scale calibration pattern disposed on thesurface. Moreover, the permutative grey scale calibration patternincludes at least a first grey scale region and a second grey scaleregion. In addition, the calibration strip employed in methods accordingto embodiments of the present invention can have any of thecharacteristics and features described herein with respect tocalibration strips according to embodiments of the present invention.

Method 1000 also includes detecting the permutative grey scalecalibration pattern with a grey scale photodetector module of the meter(see step 1020) and determining a calibration code that uniquelycorresponds to a grey scale permutation defined by the permutative greyscale calibration pattern based on a permutation matrix stored in themeter (see step 1030). The determination of the calibration code can beaccomplished using the techniques described above with respect to teststrips, calibration strips and systems according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

If desired to conserve meter power, for example, the grey scalephotodectector module employed to detect the permutative grey scalecalibration pattern can be powered on only after a calibration strip hasbeen inserted into the meter and powered off once the step ofdetermining the calibration code is complete. Moreover, once apprised ofthe present disclosure, one skilled in the art will recognize that thepermutative grey scale calibration pattern can be detected while in a“static” mode wherein the calibration strip is stationary within themeter following insertion or a “dynamic” mode wherein the detectionoccurs as the calibration strip is undergoing insertion into the meteror undergoing removal from the meter.

It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments ofthe invention described herein may be employed in practicing theinvention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope ofthe invention and that structures and methods within the scope of theseclaims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

1. A method for determining a test strip calibration code for use in ameter, the method comprising: inserting a calibration strip into themeter, the calibration strip having: a substrate with a surface; and apermutative grey scale calibration pattern disposed on the surface ofthe substrate, the permutative grey scale calibration pattern includingat least a first grey scale region and a second grey scale region,wherein the first and second grey scale regions define a grey scalepermutation that uniquely corresponds to a calibration code of teststrips in a package associated with the calibration strip; detecting thepermutative grey scale calibration pattern with a grey scalephotodetector module of the meter; determining a calibration code thatuniquely corresponds to a grey scale permutation defined by thepermutative grey scale calibration pattern based on a permutation matrixstored in the meter.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the inserting stepincludes inserting a calibration strip with a permutative grey scalecalibration pattern includes two grey scale regions.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the inserting step includes inserting a calibrationstrip with a permutative grey scale calibration pattern includes a firstgrey scale region, a second grey scale region and a third grey scaleregion.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the inserting step includesinserting a grey scale calibration pattern that further includes atleast one optics calibration region.
 5. The method of claim 4 whereinthe at least one optics calibration region includes a black opticscalibration region and a white optics calibration region.
 6. The methodof claim 5 wherein the at least one optics calibration region furtherhas a 50% grey scale optics calibration region.
 7. The method of claim 6wherein the at least one optics calibration region further has a 25%grey scale optics calibration region and a 75% grey scale opticscalibration region.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the calibrationstrip has a paddle shape.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the detectingstep occurs during the inserting step.
 10. The method of claim 1 whereinthe detecting step occurs after the inserting step has been completed.11. The method of claim 1 wherein the detecting step occurs as thecalibration strip is being removed from the meter.